daisukereds Reviews

Thunderbolts* (2025)

"Not my Avengers"

[6/10 · 1 May 2025]

For a while, Marvel has been building the character of Valentina de Fontaine, a shadow government official (CIA) running ops in the Shadows. The movie Thunderbolts* is the conclusion to that story! Where a bunch of heroes that "punch and shoot" have to contend with a vastly-powerful entity with nothing but friendship.

Personally, I enjoyed it.

I liked that the script and developments felt unexpected (normally don't like knowing exactly how it is going to go and being right) and how it had an actual message/purpose! But as an overall superhero film, I don't think it's worth the theater experience.

I can also see why some consider this to feel "uneven", with it being so Yelena-centric and the rest of the characters not being as developed (or even affecting the great Bucky). Some might not expect the more emotional-direction and for it to offer so little action. It certainly isn't as memorable as the MCU's best.

The worldbuilding (the consequences of the film, the weird Falcon mention and the post-credit scene) continues to feel underdeveloped moving forward.

Death of a Unicorn (2025)

"I don't think I should be in swim shorts for this moment"

[5/10 · 30 April 2025]

A maiden and her father travel to meet a disgustingly-rich family for business, when they suddenly strike a Unicorn! The discovery of the century leads to thoughts of profiteering and chaos.

The script is a brief setup with emotional themes of parenting, a middle of CGI "action" scenes of varying quality, and an ending that will most likely leave some viewers wanting more.

The characters, confusing tone, editing, premise and developments all are average at best. There's nothing particularly memorable about it, and not even the involved actors deliver. The dialogue doesn't offer much, the pacing is slow, and everything else is just okay. I find little to nothing to praise aside from having a tolerable experience.. but you might have a better time than I did! The trailer is informative enough to measure your curiosity.

Paradox Effect (2024)

"It's impossible to suffer without making someone pay for it"

[5/10 · 30 April 2025]

Mother and Cop work together to get out of a sticky situation and under the threat of a mob leader.

Personally, I don't like when a script puts character in a position and their reaction is to be "incompetent". But sometimes it is realistic, and understandable. But it feels like this movie is consistently taking this line, which becomes frustrating after a point.

Not to mention the so-called "reasoning" behind the lead's pairing making little sense, as we have a father already in pain immediately subjecting someone else to the same suffering.. defies logic (and taking over half the film to get there).

The chain of events and execution of the premise leave a LOT to be desired.. I didn't enjoy this at all. Can't really recommend it.

Drop (2025)

"My horoscope was right!"

[7/10 · 30 April 2025]

Mother of one finally goes on a date again.. only to become a hostage. The only way out? Kill her date.

I really enjoyed it. And not because of the totally-predictable script (overall structure, not the details), but because the execution was really good! Allow me to compliment the great editing, camerawork and lighting that made this a visual spectacle worth watching (maybe except that one pink phone-chat screen). But was pleasantly surprised by the somewhat-unknown actors that sold me on it (as far as you are willing to accept the premise) as well. It has good production and is also quite tense.

I might come down on it later, but right now, it was a good 90min watch at home.

The Accountant 2 (2025)

"I think it might be fun too"

[6/10 · 28 April 2025]

Where there's an important enough puzzle, the Accountant is sure to appear and solve it. This time, with his brother's help. From contract killers, a ring of prostitution, missing children, and Acquired Savant Syndrome.

What an interesting theatrical release.

A sequel to a franchise that received mixed reviews, but had a good opening weekend and performed well overall. From a box-office perspective, it makes little sense to me to release such a thing nowadays. And I can't see it performing as needed.

But, while the script is not at all what I expected it to be.. it is interesting enough, tense, well produced, acted and exemplary choreographed. The executed plot serves to show the leads priorities, his current state after 8 years, and helps with his estranged brother relationship. All with developments that make sense and feel natural for all parties involved. Not to mention it has a satisfactory conclusion to its premise and consistent with its origin in tone (but not so much content).

Not sure about going out to watch it instead of waiting for streaming.. but I would still recommend it over nothing else.

Havoc (2025)

"And for a while it works... until it doesn't"

[6/10 · 28 April 2025]

A police-thriller where a messy chain of events unravels during Christmas time, involving corrupt cops, drug deals, the Chinese mafia, and lots of killing.

This chaotic and bloody mess mostly works.

There's plenty of action (often featuring confusing camerawork but strong choreography), lots of blood and semi-gory kills (at least 50 deaths?), a big roster of characters (managed very well), and the pacing is good enough to keep things entertaining for the 90+ minute runtime.

However, a couple of very distracting, videogame-like car scenes (where the CGI is way too noticeable) and some odd sound editing choices.. add an ending that isn't as satisfying as it needed to be, and it becomes a toss-up whether to recommend it or not.

Still, it's competent and enjoyable enough to throw on for a Netflix watch.

Aladdin: Forget Me Lots (1994) Season 1, Episode 20

"Flowers are for first dates"

[7/10 · 24 April 2025]

Abis Mal returns with another plot to take control of Agrabah. This time, using the magical Blue Rose of Forgetfulness! An item that seemingly makes whoever smells it forget who they are, and easily convinced of a new persona.

This coincidentally ends up delaying Aladdin and the Princess' one year anniversary of their first date.. by causing Jasmine to turn into a villain version of herself.

And with the clumsy setup aside, we get an episode where Aladdin must have a match against the most athletic and action-y version of the Princess we've ever had. Quite effective and enjoyable. Not to mention Abis Mal gets a well-deserved humiliation.

Aladdin: Some Enchanted Genie (1994) Season 1, Episode 12

"Ask if she has a boyfriend! Ask if she has a boyfriend!"

[7/10 · 24 April 2025]

An episode where Abis Mal continues to be up to no good, as he has has stolen the Genie's Lamp!! But since the Genie is no longer tied to it, it doesn't matter. Coincidentally, a small child nearby finds a female Genie, one the blue Genie immediately falls in love with. They meet and first must get rid of the annoying Abis Mal in order to pursue love.

A very pleasant surprise. One that's chummy and cute!

This is the sort of content you'd expect out of a TV adaptation of a popular movie. One where the canon is expanded but doesn't immediately affect the core of the franchise. As the ending implies they are both free to date eventually, since they live for an eternity.

Locked (2025)

"Everyone is sorry once they begin to experience the consequences of their actions"

[6/10 · 24 April 2025]

A man, sick and tired of people breaking into his car, traps the next thief and extend his torture for longer than necessary by making his own justice. A man willing and capable to do anything, and a youngster at the wrong place.

I wasn't expecting the sound design to be so crunchy, or for it to be as gore-y as it was. The setup isn't particularly memorable, and most of the dialogue isn't that good. I enjoyed Collateral (2004) much more than this for that simple reason. But it takes its premise and goes places with it.. but not enough to fill in 90 minutes. Sadly, there's a LOT of "empty space" and the pacing suffers a lot because of its content. The acting is good, but not great.

Overall, it's okay.

You understand what it is doing/saying, and you know where it is going to go (more or less). The sad part is that there is no particular reason to watch this.

Ash (2025)

"Medo-botto issu nou scaningu"

[5/10 · 23 April 2025]

A SHUDDER movie of a mission to an another planet.. where things seemingly go wrong. Amnesiac lead is adamant about finding out what happened.

The film has a lot going for it.

Recognizable and likeable actors doing a decent work of the characters, good production value, a clear sense of style, impressive visuals and transitions, solid camerawork, and more. There's plenty of intensity, and the mysterious setup is inviting. It also gives enough worldbuilding and explanations throughout that there are no lingering questions, delivering a satisfying conclusion to what it aimed to be.

That said, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. I wasn't sold on the contents or how it was executed. The pacing begins to falter, the sound design is hit-or-miss (some enhance the atmosphere and others are more annoying and distracting), and it feels like it should have built toward something bigger, but never gets there.

This is no Solaris (1972)! Which still remains far more impressive and memorable (especially for its time) in comparison.

It is watchable, overall. But ends up being forgettable and leaves no lasting impact on the viewer.

The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973)

"Every voyage has its own flavor"

[6/10 · 19 April 2025]

Sinbad stumbles into a tale of adventure, black magic, and fate! Sailing the seas in search of treasure while an evil magician follows closely behind.

This could have been great, but like many films of its time, it feels unbalanced and undercooked. It rushes to kick off the plot without properly setting the mood, offering little time to introduce the characters, their personalities, or the world we're about to explore. I'm not a fan of clumsy, rushed, and underwritten beginnings, especially when the story has so few developments and surprises. Even worse are the few throwaway-challenges that are meant to keep us engaged before the climax.

That said, there are small moments of charm. But it's really Ray Harryhausen's impressive blend of stop-motion and live-action that elevates the film, turning it into a showcase of his craft, and a spectacle still worth seeing today.

Daredevil: Born Again (2025– )

"Resist. Rebel. Rebuild."

[5/10 · 16 April 2025]

DareDevil is back, except he is retired. But Fisk is aiming to control the city, so he most be Born Again.. again.

I'd be honestly surprised if people actually liked this messy season (especially when compared to what came before Disney's involvement!).. and now, we must wait for a conclusion in the next one.

I'm also not sure the rewrites of the first and final episodes tell a cohesive story with what was left untouched. The new feels rushed but better driven, while the rest seems like filler with good groundwork for a proper plot. Together, they "waste" or misuse some very good elements and characters (from Poindexter, to Foggy, to Muse, to the girlfriend and more), while muddling the rest. And with the new things mattering so little or being so hastily thrown aside, the CGI being often bad, and there being no satisfactory high-points.. was this really what we wanted?

But you can tell there's a structure underneath. One that could have been told slightly different to better results. Still, I like the cast on the show most! And am glad I get to see more of them. I just wished it was under better circumstances.

So, I'm not going to say Disney has ruined this canon.. even if what they gave us serves only as a starting point to imagine something better while taking the few good things it brings. But this season could have been much better, and possibly even shorter. And until I see how they wrap this up, I'm leaving a lower score to reflect my disappointment with a show I didn't particularly enjoy and spent more time mulling over most of their choices and execution.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

"I knew she could not be so beautiful for nothing"

[7/10 · 15 April 2025]

Does anyone need a summary of this film?

Beautifully shot, excellently cast, and perfectly executed. With music that permeates and facilitates the context, specially on momentous occasions of excitement and romance. One cannot contradict.. a classic in the making. Specially with such flowery dialogue that seems like poetry today.

And a most audacious window into the fascinating courting game of an era long gone.. but a game that steered the very dependent-livelihood of many!! And not to forget the absurd obscenity of the rich, amusingly conveyed with awe-struck expressions.

Still, I am touched by bemused skepticism about the narrative chain of events that leads to a powerful man swooping in to solve all of a woman's problems (with his unmatched and vast capacity poured out) only to appease her completely. Being so impossibly virtuous, naturally, how could anyone resist? But could it be qualified as manipulation in disguise, even to such minded-individuals? I myself cannot tell.. and I see now I would have fared so poorly in such tidings, haha.

Still, a doting man, and a partner just smart enough to recognize it. A match made in heaven, and a wonderful experience! I can see now why it is so beloved by many. It is too graceful.

Hana and Alice (2004)

"Fighting is bad.."

[5/10 · 12 April 2025]

A cute story of 2 highschool girls' lives, friendship's highs and lows, love mischief and even career topics.

This movie is about a lot of little things that happen to these girls in the span of a year(?) and it is around 135 minutes!!

It feels long and the plots are rather messy, uneven and somewhat uninteresting at times. From gaslighting a young man about having amnesia and going out with one of the girls (the core of the film).. there's ballet, traditional Rakugo, and being scouted for work. Ultimately, it is a vignette an the message remains unclear.

I'm not entirely sure I enjoyed this (even if I like the actresses), much less being able to recommend it for what it offers. I stopped paying attention at some point..

G20 (2025)

"We get here how we can"

[5/10 · 12 April 2025]

G20 convention, where President-Viola spearheads an anti-famine project for funding.. farmers(?) from poor countries using cryptocurrency. It goes terribly wrong, with important hostages and the world's economics threatened for the duration of the film.

Personally, I feel this action thriller (with a light political theme) fails to hook the viewer from the start with an uninteresting, rushed and bare-boned subplot about family issues that adds little emotional weight. Slow pacing, flat action, a weak villain and more.

The cast is decent and does what they can with the material. With a Viola Davis playing a Military-President that one-shots surrounding enemies while spinning 360°, and the pair of "Wakandan" soldiers (this movie, not me) coming out on top. And Antony Starr's character (the main reason I tuned in) feels underwritten and ultimately forgettable.

That disappointment kind of sums up the whole thing. The plot, character development, and resolution all feel like they're just background noise for military action set pieces. It's not over-the-top, but there's little tension or intrigue, and not enough fun to recommend.

Daredevil: Born Again: Isle of Joy (2025) Season 1, Episode 8

"Please just tell me he's dead.."

[6/10 · 9 April 2025]

I'm honestly surprised at how one episode can take all the previous throwaway elements and competently wrap them into a somewhat-satisfying narrative that gives plenty of excitement and drama. Both a vindictive/resentful Fisk and a vengeful/desperate DD in a collision course against one another, with someone else in between.

Aside from the first episode's plot, and the ideas of (potentially) Fisk's Task Force, his corrupt grasp over the city, and DareDevil returning (with whatever reason you want to tell, including a disposable Muse-villain).. nothing else shown in the previous episodes has had any bearing to what climaxed in today's episode. More and more this season feels like it should have been a movie instead.

Let's hope the ending can conclude this "high point" in a proper manner.

The Return of Martin Guerre (1982)

"Lies come easy from afar"

[6/10 · 9 April 2025]

A very interesting story adapted from real events.. back in a time where things were taken at face value due to the lack of the many systems that can produce evidence nowadays. Where a credible rumor could make an unthinkable reality a possible truth.. and a well-constructed lie would hardly be proven otherwise.

I'm not going to say I loved it, even if its very well executed and interesting. Knowing exactly what to expect can ruin one's enjoyment of it. The sort of thing I would have prefer to know nothing about, and to have watched as it came out.. a true shame!

Still I would easily recommend it as a great recount of something that happened once and worth learning about.

Traxx (1988)

"Garbage you dump.. trash you kill"

[7/10 · 8 April 2025]

Charming ex-mercenary comes into the most exaggerated crime-ridden town to clean it up with nothing but violence in order to.. earn enough money to bake cookies. Only by destroying the economy, can you fix it.

The whole thing is almost like a cartoon! Fresh and ridiculous.

From kids hanging out in the local brothel casually watching a man get blasted out a window, garbage men celebrating the chaos, to full-on car jousting with the villains. The structure, the jokes, the timing. Even the way it mocks the romance element, with Priscilla Barnes giving it all. And at a short 80 minutes duration, it doesn't overstay its welcome.

Honestly, I could see this being a classic with a little polish. But as it stands? It's wild and unpredictable enough to recommend. Easily becoming one of my favorite absurdist 80s films.

Thanks RLM.

Aladdin (1994–1995)

"What!? In front of the Sultan and all those big shots? How humiliating!" - e10

[6/10 · 8 April 2025]

Original voice cast is back (except for Robin Williams) and delivering more Aladdin adventures! Fun for kids and fans.

I remember enjoying this, but even as a kid I was quite saddened that the titular character was still living as a poor street rat in his broken-down house, and constantly displaying a lack of character development and growth.. as if the movie that set up this franchise didn't happen. Not to mention some episodes require silly character choices very often, or how the Genie could solve most this problems but his powers are very inconsistent throughout. And like many saturday cartoons, most implications and world building don't matter or carry on.

But I still loved Agrabah, its cast, the general visual design and some of the new elements and characters.

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp (1982)

"Isn't it nice to be alive?"

[6/10 · 7 April 2025]

A 1-hour Japanese-Animated film of the beggar Aladdin, the Magic Lamp (and Ring) and a Sultan's daughter he wants to marry.

As this is rather short, there's really no space for depth and many of its elements are stripped from any additional and unnecessary details. It is very straightforward and simple (with only a couple dozen lines of dialogue). But it is also very faithful to the original tale's story beats.

It is well animated and beautifully designed, which is probably its most prominent feature! And while it is very competent and serviceable, there's little to make it truly a memorable adaptation worth watching.

The Three Musketeers (2011)

"I'm afraid I'll need something a bit more.. substantial"

[6/10 · 3 April 2025]

Fighting for France's future, the Musketeers serve the crown and the country, thwarting a plot of Dethronement and War. But more importantly, fighting for love.

A grand little adventure, with good stakes and an overabundance of spectacle! With personal favorites of mine in Luke Evans, Mads Mikkelsen, Orlando Bloom and the great (late) Ray Stevenson. I should love this.. but I don't.

Maybe it's the 2010s CGI, but there's a faint layer of inauthenticity and hollowness that robs the movie of any real tension. So, instead of something like a Pirates of the Caribbean, you get a "Saturday morning cartoon" plot that is there to entertain and nothing else. My expectations, surely. But no plot or character is memorable enough, the action is okay and the romance and twists a sideshow. Great production, though! Shame about the computer-aided visuals.

Snow White (2025)

"The lady with the good potatoes"

[3/10 · 1 April 2025]

Straying too far from the original's innocence, charm and beautifully drawings of what being terrified feels like. Introducing themes of defiance, doubt, unnecessary realism and world building. A tale of innocence tested by jealousy, purity overcoming corruption, and the idea that kindness and goodness will ultimately prevail.. changed into a film stripped away of its fairy-tale essence and the enchanting simplicity that charmed whoever saw it. Now muddled into a surface-level narrative that is serviceable at best.. a colorful but joyless story of rebellion at worst.

Whoever thought they could possibly improve upon Walt's timeless work of art? And with people and bad CGI of all things!

These visuals not only disappoints, but also hinders performances! As the actors struggle to react naturally to their surroundings, making the world feel even more artificial. The musical aspects are a mixed bag, with Zegler being a good performer, but unable to match Adriana Caselotti's magical notes and unfit for the character. Still, these few decent songs stand in stark contrast to Gal Gadot's seemingly digitized performance!

Then there's the matter of the many unnecessary additions, and an unearned love story. One that contradicts the actress's earlier statements about Snow White's independence.

Amusing that the original remains as a film that FAR surpasses what is being delivered today.. One that doesn't really stand on its own, nor satisfies with its alternate conclusion.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)

"To find me.. today"

[7/10 · 1 April 2025]

Disney's timeless and enchanting fairy tale. A simple story of a vain and wicked stepmother fearing Snow White's beauty surpassing her own.

While not my favorite, it is beyond me how impressive it still is. Capturing grace and pureness so perfectly, with great designs (all that beautiful wood carving), and beautiful musical to elevate it all.

Surprising to think this was considered terrifying at one point, or that it was even censored!

Personally, I'd probably trim it here and there, and make it a tad shorter. But most of all, I would have loved to see the ambitious version the envisioned.. one that wasn't due to time and budget constraints.. where the prince's expanded role was cut because of how hard it was animating people.. instead of focusing so much on the dwarfs' antics.

But I wouldn't really dare change a thing! As I feel this piece of art demands, at least, a little bit of respect. And whoever thinks they could improve upon it... well.

Accident Man (2018)

"It's time to butter the toast, Michael"

[7/10 · 31 March 2025]

A look at a "club" of Assassins, taking on assignments to survive doing the one thing they are good at. When one of the members breaks the rules, but is also betrayed. Family fallout, lots of murder and revenge.

A perfect example of how simplicity, when executed well, can be just as satisfying as a high-budget blockbuster (but maybe not for the theaters). With an good chain of developments that never drags its feet or overcomplicates itself.. Delivering a well-paced experience with effective storytelling, character moments and excellent action.

Visually, the film is a treat. The action is well choreographed, well lit, and filmed with a clarity that's somewhat rare (only when a good stunt crew is involved). But it doesn't always work unless it has good characters brought to life by a charming cast that understands exactly what kind of film they're in.

And not to forget the best lens flare use in recent memory.

Scott Adkins, while writing for himself, continues to deliver the kind of efficiency I enjoy, while making everyone else involved look good. Solid, well-crafted entertainment.

Duchess (2024)

"Everything was, uh.. cushty"

[6/10 · 31 March 2025]

Shady girl falls for shady guy and his life catches up to them. Love and Action abound.

Expect the expected in this competent little film. But for all its familiarity, I still found it engaging and satisfying.

The story is a blend of love, loss, and payback, wrapped in a well-paced two-hour runtime. The first hour sets up the characters and stakes, while the second hour delivers a fitting resolution. The script benefits from a cute, well-cast ensemble, a charming crew, and convincing romantic leads with decent chemistry, and all their deliveries made the movie for me. The editing is colorful, and the story flows smoothly without unnecessary detours.. though some moments feel slower than they need to be. The action is serviceable, though lacking in real tension.

And while the film doesn't break new ground, it tells a familiar story well enough to be satisfying.